TWI796461B - Apparatus and methods of processing a glass sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for processing a glass sheet are disclosed. A first plurality of fluid outlets are directed at a first major surface of a glass sheet and a second plurality of fluid nozzles are directed at a second major surface of the glass sheet. The first plurality of fluid nozzles and second plurality of fluid nozzles are spaced apart at an adjustable gap, and the gap can be increased or decreased during processing the glass sheet. The apparatus and methods can be used to reduce bow in a glass sheet.

Description

Apparatus and method for processing glass sheets

This application asserts the benefit of priority under the Patents Act to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/651,436, filed April 2, 2018, which is hereby attached and incorporated by reference in its entirety middle.

Glass sheets are typically manufactured by flowing molten glass onto a forming body whereby glass ribbons can be formed by various ribbon forming processes including float, slot pull, down draw method, fusion down-draw method, up-draw method, or any other forming process. Glass ribbons from any of these processes can then be subsequently processed to remove edge beading and to be segmented by mechanical scoring and breaking to provide suitable further processing to desired applications, including but not limited to display applications. ) of one or more glass sheets. For example, the one or more glass sheets can be used in various display applications including liquid crystal displays (LCDs), electrophoretic displays (EPDs), organic light emitting diode displays (OLEDs), plasma display panels (PDPs), etc. wait. Sheets of glass can be conveyed from one location to another. The glass sheets can be transported with a conventional support frame designed to hold a stack of glass sheets in place. Also, an interlayer material may be disposed between each adjacent glass sheet to help prevent contact between and thus preserve the original surfaces of the glass sheets.

Glass being processed after separation from the freshly formed strip may attract unwanted glass shards and particles formed during the mechanical scoring and breaking process used to break the strip and remove the edge bead. Such glass shards and particles may become adhered to the glass surface, rendering the entire sheet unacceptable for many display applications. Glass shards and particles (often called Adhesive Glass or ADG) create defects in display devices. One solution to the ADG problem would be to remove glass debris/particles by cleaning the glass surface before the glass debris/particles actually bond. Cleaning the glass after the strip truncation and bead removal process can be a challenge because the glass is still hot and not flat. Glass shape changes (also known as bowing) greater than 20 mm have been measured caused by thermal gradients across the sheet and from the top to the bottom of the sheet. For example, a glass shape change or bow of 25 mm in the principal plane of a glass sheet has been observed within 1.5 meters in a direction (x-direction or y-direction) transverse to the principal plane (z-plane). In addition to the shape change, the bearing method used to convey the glass sheet, which conforms purposefully to prevent potential glass breakage caused by over-constraint, lacks precision. This compliant handling results in poor precision of the glass plane during transport after the glass sheet has been scored and broken into sheets after formation. The cleaning process generally relies on aligning the glass sheet with the cleaning tool (eg, high pressure nozzle, brush, etc.) on a fixed plane so that the applied force is consistent during cleaning. Maintaining the glass on a fixed plane is also important during drying because glass sheet drying relies on the removal of water by air force from an air knife directed across the major faces of the glass. The variation of the lift height, the gap between the air knife and the major face of the glass being dried prevents consistent drying across the major face. Also, localized forces caused by high-pressure cleaning or drying of the shaped sheet tend to generate force imbalances between sides A and B (front and rear major faces) and left-to-right differences. This difference in forces may cause the glass sheet to become unstable, vibrate during cleaning, and possibly allow the sheet to contact cleaning equipment. Contact of the glass piece with cleaning or drying equipment will cause unacceptable scratches or chips, rendering the glass unusable.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide devices and methods that position and transport glass sheets into a cleaning system with sufficient accuracy to align the glass with a pre-defined glass plane that aligns with the In the same plane is a kinematic system that moves the glass and allows positioning of the cleaning tool within a fixed distance offset relative to the major faces of the glass. This would allow equal forces to be applied to the A and B surfaces (front and back) so that non-displacement of the glass sheet can occur without defects (such as scratches or chips) on the pristine surfaces created by the glass forming operation. Contact guide.

The present disclosure generally relates to glass sheet processing apparatus, systems, and methods. In a first embodiment, a glass sheet handling apparatus includes a first plurality of fluid outlets adjustably spaced apart from a second plurality of fluid outlets and defining a gap sized to pass a glass sheet, the glass sheet comprising a first major face defining a thickness and a second major face, the first plurality of fluid outlets pointing toward the first major face and the second plurality of fluid outlets pointing toward the second major face when the glass sheet is disposed in the gap Two major faces; a source of pressurized fluid communicating with at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and at least one of the second plurality of fluid outlets and to the at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets one and the at least one of the second plurality of fluid outlets supply pressurized fluid; and a controller that controls at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets to communicate with the glass movement in a direction orthogonal to the first major face and the second major face of the sheet to increase or decrease the gap.

In a second embodiment, the device of the first embodiment is such that the first plurality of fluid outlets are disposed in at least one first elongated rod comprising a fluid connection with the first plurality of fluid outlets. communicating plenums, and wherein the second plurality of fluid outlets is disposed in at least one second elongated rod, the at least one second elongated rod comprising a plenum in fluid communication with the second plurality of fluid outlets.

In the third embodiment, the first embodiment and the second embodiment make the device further include: a plurality of first fluid nozzles, including the first plurality of fluid outlets; and a plurality of second fluid nozzles, including the second fluid outlets; Multiple fluid outlets. In a fourth embodiment, the first to third embodiments are such that the first plurality of fluid outlets are positioned in at least one first elongated rod comprising the first plurality of The plenum chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid outlets, and the device further includes: a plurality of fluid nozzles, including the second plurality of fluid outlets. In a fifth embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments are such that the first plurality of fluid outlets are movable from an open position where the gap is at a maximum to a closed position where the gap is at a minimum. In a sixth embodiment, the first to fourth embodiments are such that: the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets are movable from an open position where the gap is at a maximum to where the gap is at a minimum off position.

In a seventh embodiment, the second embodiment is such that the device includes: a plurality of first elongated rods spaced on a first frame and a plurality of second elongated rods spaced on a second frame such that the plurality A first elongated rod and the plurality of second elongated rods are separated by the gap. In an eighth embodiment, the plurality of first elongated rods are pressurized with a first fluid and the plurality of second elongated rods are pressurized with a second fluid.

In a ninth embodiment, the first fluid and the second fluid comprise air, or wherein the first fluid comprises air and the second fluid comprises liquid. In a tenth embodiment, the device comprises: a plurality of first elongated rods spaced apart on a first frame, and a plurality of fluid nozzles, such that the plurality of first elongated rods and the plurality of fluid nozzles are separated by the gap .

In an eleventh embodiment, the first through tenth embodiments are such that: when pressurized fluid exits the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets, between the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets A first fluid cushion is formed between the first major surface of the glass sheet, and a second fluid cushion is formed between the second plurality of fluid outlets and the second major surface of the glass sheet. In a twelfth embodiment, the first through tenth embodiments are such that pressurized fluid exits the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets under pressure sufficient to Rigid forces are applied between the fluid outlets and the glass sheet and between the second plurality of fluid outlets and the glass sheet to reduce the amount of bowing of the glass sheet.

A thirteenth embodiment includes a glass sheet processing system comprising any of the apparatuses described for the first through twelfth embodiments. For example, the system may include a first device including opposing fluid outlets defining a gap configured to direct pressurized fluid over a first major face and a second major face of the glass sheet to reduce an arcuate bend in the sheet of glass; and a second device, positioned downstream of the first device, the second device comprising a plurality of liquid dispensing nozzles capable of removing sticking to the glass after leaving the first device Glass particles on at least one of the first major face and the second major face of the sheet. In a fourteenth embodiment, the thirteenth embodiment is such that the opposing fluid outlets include a first plurality of fluid outlets adjustably spaced apart from a second plurality of fluid outlets and defining a gap, the gap being adjusted Dimensioned to transfer a glass sheet comprising a first major face defining a thickness and a second major face, when the glass sheet is disposed in the gap, the first plurality of fluid outlets are directed toward the first major face and the A second plurality of fluid outlets are directed toward the second major face. In a fifteenth embodiment of the system, the first device further comprises: a source of pressurized fluid in communication with at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and at least one of the second plurality of fluid outlets, and supply pressurized fluid to the at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and the at least one of the second plurality of fluid outlets; and a controller that controls the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second Movement of at least one of the plurality of fluid outlets in a direction normal to the first major face and the second major face of the glass sheet increases or decreases the gap. In a sixteenth embodiment, the system further includes: a third device downstream of the second device and positioned to receive the glass sheet from the second device, the third device including an air knife to extract the glass sheet from the second device Remove liquid.

A seventeenth embodiment relates to a method of processing a glass sheet, the method comprising the steps of positioning the glass sheet between a first plurality of fluid outlets adjustably connected to a second plurality of fluid outlets the outlets are spaced apart by a gap such that the first plurality of fluid outlets are directed toward the first major face of the glass sheet and the second plurality of fluid outlets are directed toward a second major face of the glass sheet; and Pressurized fluid exiting the first plurality of fluid outlets is directed toward the first major face, and pressurized fluid exiting the second plurality of fluid outlets is directed toward the second major face to cool the glass sheet.

In an eighteenth embodiment, the seventeenth embodiment is such that: the pressurized fluid exiting the first plurality of fluid outlets forms a first plurality of fluid outlets between the first plurality of fluid outlets and the first major face of the glass sheet. A fluid cushion is formed, and the pressurized fluid exiting the second plurality of fluid outlets forms a second fluid cushion between the second plurality of fluid outlets and the second major surface of the glass sheet. In a nineteenth embodiment, the eighteenth embodiment is such that: the first major face and the second major face of the glass sheet have an amount of arcuate curvature prior to placing the glass sheet in the gap, and wherein the first A fluid pad and the second fluid pad reduce the amount of bowing.

In a twentieth embodiment, the method is such that: the pressurized fluid exits the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets under pressure to flow between the first plurality of fluid outlets and the first main A rigid force is applied between the faces and between the second plurality of fluid outlets and the second major face, the rigid force being sufficient to reduce the amount of bowing of the glass sheet.

In a twenty-first embodiment, the method is such that: the first fluid cushion comprises an air cushion and the second fluid cushion comprises an air cushion. In a twenty-second embodiment, the method is such that: the first plurality of fluid outlets is disposed in a first elongated rod comprising a plenum in fluid communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets, And the second plurality of fluid outlets is disposed in a second elongated rod including a plenum in fluid communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets. In a twenty-third embodiment, the method is such that the first plurality of fluid nozzles includes the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid nozzles includes the second plurality of fluid outlets.

In a twenty-fourth embodiment, the method is such that: the first plurality of fluid outlets are disposed in a first elongated rod comprising a plenum in fluid communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets, And the plurality of second fluid nozzles includes the second plurality of fluid outlets. In a twenty-fifth embodiment, the method further comprises the step of moving the first plurality of fluid outlets from an open position where the gap is at a maximum to a closed position where the gap is at a minimum.

Apparatus and methods will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers have been used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

It is to be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and therefore non-limiting. As such, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for processing at least one of glass ribbons and glass sheets. In some embodiments, the glass ribbon to be processed may be formed by the glass manufacturing apparatus, the glass ribbon to be processed may be provided as it is being formed by the glass manufacturing apparatus, and the glass ribbon may be formed from a previously formed glass ribbon. A spool provides a glass ribbon to be processed, from which the previously formed glass ribbon can be unwound, or can be provided as an individual glass ribbon. In some embodiments, the glass sheet to be processed can be formed by a glass manufacturing apparatus, can be provided as a glass sheet separated from a glass ribbon, can be provided as a glass sheet separated from another glass sheet Separated glass sheets, the glass sheets to be processed may be provided as glass sheets unwound from a roll of glass sheets, the glass sheets to be processed may be provided as glass sheets obtained from a stack of glass sheets, or the glass sheets to be processed may be The sheets are provided as individual glass sheets.

Methods and apparatus for processing at least one of a glass ribbon and a glass sheet will now be described by way of example embodiments including a method for processing a glass ribbon formed by a glass manufacturing apparatus. Embodiments and Embodiments for Processing Glass Sheets Separated from Glass Ribbons. Other embodiments of processing at least one of glass ribbons and glass sheets are also described, it being understood that for at least some embodiments, similar or identical techniques may also be applied to the exemplary glass ribbons discussed above. Any one or more of the belt and the glass sheet.

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for treating at least one of glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 to achieve desirable properties. In some embodiments, glass sheet 104 may be separated from glass ribbon 103 . Additionally, the present disclosure provides exemplary glass processing apparatus, including a glass processing system 100 that may be used to process glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, glass processing system 100 may include a plurality of exemplary processing stations that may be used individually or in conjunction with one another. As shown, processing stations may be arranged in series with each other to process at least one of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 to provide desirable properties. Also, it may be desirable to further process glass ribbon 103 or glass sheet 104 , eg, by a customer to further process glass sheet 104 for display applications. In some embodiments, the systems, methods, and devices provided herein can be used to prevent debris from contacting the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 and preventing debris from contaminating the glass ribbon and the glass sheet, thus The original properties of the glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 that are desirable for various display applications are preserved.

Separation debris may include debris associated with glass separator 149 and debris generated before, during, or after a separation process utilizing glass separator 149 under any type of operating condition of glass processing system 100 . In some embodiments, the separation debris may include glass shards and glass swarf generated when the glass ribbon 103 is scratched and possibly broken from the glass ribbon 103 when the glass ribbon 103 is separated by the glass separator 149 glass shards and glass shards. Separation debris may also include particles and other contaminants originating from the glass separator 149 and its associated components, such as mechanical dust, lubricants, particulates, fibers, and any other type of debris. In some embodiments, separation debris may also include glass shards and glass shavings that break off from the glass ribbon 103 when the glass ribbon 103 accidentally breaks, cracks, or crumbles due to, for example, handling failure. Environmental debris may include debris from the environment surrounding glass strip 103, such as glass, glass particles, glass shards, glass shavings, particles, fibers, dust, human pollutants, and any other type of debris . In some embodiments, environmental debris may include dust and other particles released from the floor or other nearby structures within the environment in which glass processing system 100 is located. Such environmental debris may become airborne when subjected to air currents (eg, drafts, breezes, drafts from glass handling system 100 ) or when agitated by people (eg, technicians, operators), machinery, or other causes.

Although an exemplary order of processing stations is depicted, in some embodiments the processing stations may be arranged in a different order. In some embodiments, glass processing system 100 may include more processing stations than are exemplary depicted. In some embodiments, glass processing system 100 may include fewer processing stations than are exemplary depicted. Also, in some embodiments, a single processing station may be provided that may be used to process at least one of the glass ribbon 103 and the glass sheet 104 independently or in combination with any one or more other processing stations.

In some embodiments, the glass processing system 100 provides the glass ribbon 103 with a glass manufacturing device 101, such as a slot pull device, float bath device, down draw device, pull up device, nip roll device, or other glass ribbon manufacturing device. FIG. 1 schematically depicts a glass manufacturing apparatus 101 including a fusion draw apparatus 101 for fusion drawing a glass ribbon 103 for subsequent processing into a glass sheet 104 .

Melting pulldown apparatus 101 may include a melting vessel 105 oriented to receive batch material 107 from a storage silo 109 . The batch material 107 may be introduced by a batch delivery device 111 powered by a motor 113 . Optional controller 115 may be configured to activate motor 113 to introduce a desired amount of batch material 107 into melting vessel 105 as indicated by arrow 117 . The molten glass probe 119 can be used to measure the level of the molten material 121 in the standpipe 123 , and the measured information can be transmitted to the controller 115 via the communication line 125 .

The melt pulldown apparatus 101 may also include a clarification vessel 127 positioned downstream of the melting vessel 105 and coupled to the melting vessel 105 by a first connecting conduit 129 . In some embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from melting vessel 105 to clarification vessel 127 via first connecting conduit 129 . For example, gravity may be used to drive the molten material 121 from the melting vessel 105 through the internal path of the first connecting conduit 129 to the clarification vessel 127 . Within clarification vessel 127, air bubbles may be removed from molten material 121 by various techniques.

Melt downdraw apparatus 101 may further include a mixing chamber 131 , which may be positioned downstream of clarification vessel 127 . Mixing chamber 131 may be used to provide a homogenous composition of molten material 121 , thereby reducing or eliminating inhomogeneous cords that may otherwise be present within molten material 121 exiting clarification vessel 127 . As shown, clarification vessel 127 may be coupled to mixing chamber 131 by a second connecting conduit 135 . In some embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from clarification vessel 127 to mixing chamber 131 via second connecting conduit 135 . For example, gravity may be used to drive the molten material 121 from the clarification vessel 127 to the mixing chamber 131 through the internal path of the second connecting conduit 135 .

Melt downdraw device 101 may further include delivery container 133 , which may be positioned downstream of mixing chamber 131 . Delivery container 133 may accommodate molten material 121 to be fed into glass former 140 . For example, delivery container 133 may act as an accumulator and/or a flow controller to regulate and provide a consistent flow of molten material 121 to glass former 140 . As shown, the mixing chamber 131 can be coupled to the delivery container 133 by a third connecting conduit 137 . In some embodiments, molten material 121 may be gravity fed from mixing chamber 131 to delivery container 133 via third connecting conduit 137 . For example, gravity may be used to drive molten material 121 from mixing chamber 131 through the internal path of third connecting conduit 137 to delivery container 133 .

As further illustrated, delivery tube 139 may be positioned to deliver molten material 121 to glass former 140 of melting downdraw apparatus 101 . As discussed more fully below, glass former 140 may draw molten material 121 into glass ribbon 103 away from root 145 forming vessel 143 . In the depicted embodiment, forming vessel 143 may include an inlet 141 oriented to receive molten material 121 from delivery tube 139 of delivery vessel 133 .

In some embodiments, the width "W" of glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 may be from about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, such as From about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 3000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, for example From about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example From approx. 2000 mm to approx. 2500 mm, and all ranges and subranges in between.

In some embodiments, the height "H" of glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 (as shown in FIG. 3 ) can be from about 20 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 50 mm to about 4000 mm, such as from about 100 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 500 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 1000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 2000 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 2500 mm to about 4000 mm, for example from about 20 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 50 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 100 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 500 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 1000 mm to about 3000 mm, for example from about 2000 mm to about 3000 mm, such as from about 2000 mm to about 2500 mm, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

In some embodiments, the thickness "T" (as shown in FIG. 5 ) of glass sheet 104 made from glass ribbon 103 may range from about 0.01 mm to about 5 mm, such as from about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm. mm, such as from about 0.05 mm to about 2 mm, such as from about 0.05 mm to about 1.8 mm, such as from about 0.05 mm to about 1.3 mm, and all ranges and subranges therebetween.

Glass ribbon 103 may comprise various compositions including, but not limited to, soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass, aluminoborosilicate glass, alkali-containing glass, or alkali-free glass. Once out of the glass former 140 , the glass ribbon 103 may finally be separated into one or more glass sheets 104 by a glass separator 149 . As shown, glass separator 149 may be positioned downstream of glass former 140 and oriented to separate glass sheet 104 from glass ribbon 103 . Various glass separators 149 may be provided in embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a moving anvil may be provided that can score the glass ribbon 103 and then break the glass ribbon 103 along the score line. In some embodiments, a laser-assisted separation device may be provided as described below and as also described in co-pending U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20160136846, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference incorporated into this article. Such laser-assisted separation devices may include, but are not limited to, laser scoring techniques that heat the glass strip 103 and then cool the glass strip 103 to create holes in the glass strip 103 to separate the glass strip 103. Such laser-assisted separation equipment may also include laser cutting techniques that heat the glass ribbon 103 to create stressed regions in the glass ribbon 103 and then apply defects to the stressed regions of the glass ribbon 103 to Cracks are induced to separate the glass ribbons 103 . FIG. 1 depicts a general schematic of an exemplary glass separator 149 . As depicted, the exemplary glass separator 149 can separate the glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103 along a transverse separation path 151 that runs along the glass ribbon 103 between the first vertical edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and The width "W" (transverse to the drawing direction 177 of the glass former 140 ) extends between the second vertical edges 155 of the glass ribbon 103 .

In some embodiments, the glass separator 149 can separate the outer portion 159 of the glass sheet 104 from the central portion 161 of the glass sheet 104 along a vertical separation path 163 that runs along the first lateral edge 165 of the glass sheet 104 to the glass The length "L" between the second lateral edges 167 of the sheet 104 extends. As shown, such techniques may be implemented with a vertical orientation, however a horizontal orientation may be provided in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the vertical orientation can facilitate entrainment of glass particles by gravity.

In some embodiments, defects (not shown) may result from mechanical engagement of the glass strip 103 with, for example, a scribe 170 (eg, scoring wheel, diamond tip, etc.) or other mechanical device. The tip of the scriber 170 can create defects, such as surface incompleteness (eg, surface cracks). In some embodiments, defects may include point defects or scratch lines. Although not shown, support devices such as air bearings or mechanical contact support members may be provided to help counteract the force exerted by the scribe 170 to facilitate defect creation.

In some embodiments, laser 169 may be used to create defects. In some embodiments, laser 169 may comprise a pulsed laser configured to create defects, such as surface imperfections, although sub-surface imperfections may also be provided. In some embodiments, the defects produced by the laser 169 may include cracks, point defects, scratch lines, or other defects, wherein such defects may optionally be created by an ablation process 703 .

Any of the methods discussed herein may be applied to separate glass (e.g., glass ribbon 103, glass sheet 104), including but not limited to the exemplary types of glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet disclosed herein 104. As such, the embodiments discussed for the glass ribbon 103 may also be applied to the glass sheet 104 . For example, as depicted with respect to FIG. 1 , the lateral separation path 151 may be along the width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 between the first vertical edge 153 of the glass ribbon 103 and the second vertical edge 155 of the glass ribbon 103. extend. In such embodiments, the creation of a defect may separate glass sheet 104 from glass ribbon 103 as shown in FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, also depicted in FIG. 1 , the vertical separation path 163 may be along the length "L" of the glass sheet 104 between the first lateral edge 165 of the glass sheet 104 and the second lateral edge 167 of the glass sheet 104. extend. In such embodiments, the creation of the defect may separate the outer portion 159 of the glass sheet 104 from the central portion 161 of the glass sheet 104 .

As shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the method of separating the glass sheet 104 from the glass ribbon 103 can be accomplished without the need to bend the glass ribbon 103 or the glass sheet 104 (including the outer portion 159 of the glass sheet 104 ). . In fact, as shown in FIG. 1 , glass separator 149 may separate glass sheet 104 from glass ribbon 103 while glass sheet 104 and glass ribbon 103 are still vertically oriented. In such embodiments, debris generated during separation can be pulled vertically downward by gravity, thereby avoiding shattering when the glass ribbon 103 or glass sheet 104 is to include a curved (eg, non-perpendicular) orientation. Debris may have landed on the upper horizontal or inclined surface. Likewise, due to the vertical orientation of glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104, environmental debris may be less likely to come into contact with glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104, since such environmental debris may also be pulled downward by gravity.

In some embodiments, first elongated gas port 185a and second elongated gas port 185b may be positioned near glass former 140 , for example near where glass ribbon 103 exits glass former 140 . The first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may be oriented such as to distribute the first outer gas curtain respectively along the entire width "W" of the glass strip 103 or even greater than the entire width "W" of the glass strip 103 And the second outer air curtain. In some embodiments, the first elongated gas interface 185a and the second elongated gas interface 185b may be oriented to distribute the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain, respectively, along less than the entire width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 . Additionally, in some embodiments, the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain may completely surround the glass ribbon 103 and in some embodiments may isolate the glass ribbon 103 from contamination with surrounding debris. The first elongated gas interface 185a and the second elongated gas interface 185b may comprise a single elongated nozzle, port, injector, etc. from which gas may be distributed or a plurality of nozzles from which gas may be distributed to form a continuous uniform air curtain , ports, injectors, etc., the air curtain can inhibit or even prevent penetration by environmental debris. In some embodiments, each of the first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may include any one or more of one continuous elongated slit and a plurality of elongated slits, the plurality of elongated slits Two elongated slots are oriented to distribute the first outer air curtain and the second outer air curtain, respectively.

The glass processing system 100 may include a vacuum port 173 (eg, an elongated vacuum port) positioned downstream of the glass separator 149 (eg, along the draw direction 177 shown in FIG. 1 ) and oriented to receive entrained Debris in the first and second outer air curtains. In some embodiments, the vacuum port 173 may be oriented to receive debris entrained in the first inner air curtain and the second inner air curtain. The vacuum source may include a blower, vacuum chamber, pump, fan, or other suitable mechanism to generate reduced pressure (eg, negative pressure, suction) at vacuum port 173 .

In some embodiments, deflectors (e.g., first deflector 195a, second deflector 195b) may be provided to prevent the first outer air curtain from colliding with the cooling flow drawn into the lower opening of glass former 140. Interference between the second outer air curtain. In some embodiments, any of the flow directors of the present disclosure may extend downstream in a direction away from glass former 140 . In some embodiments, any of the flow directors of the present disclosure may be positioned at least partially outside of glass former 140 , such as entirely outside of glass former 140 . In further examples, at least a portion of any of the flow directors of the present disclosure may extend partially within glass former 140 . The first deflector 195a and the second deflector 195b may extend along the entire width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 and, as shown, may extend along more than the entire width "W" of the glass ribbon 103 . In some embodiments, the first flow director 195 a and the second flow director 195 b may extend along less than the entire width “W” of the glass ribbon 103 .

In some embodiments, the first deflector 195a and/or the second deflector 195b may be adjustable such that each of the first deflector 195a and the second deflector 195b may be selectively adjusted. The height "Hb" of the person.

In some embodiments, the first elongated gas interface 195a and the second elongated gas interface 185b may comprise a single elongated nozzle, port, injector, etc., which may be separately The first deflector 195a and the second deflector 195b are separate and can distribute gas from a single elongated nozzle, port, injector, etc. to pass through the respective first deflector 195a and the second deflector 195b. on both sides of each to form a continuous uniform air curtain that can inhibit or even prevent penetration by environmental debris. In some embodiments, the first elongated gas interface 185a and the second elongated gas interface 185b may include a plurality of nozzles, ports, injectors, etc., and the plurality of nozzles, ports, injectors, etc. may be arranged in the first guide flow deflector 195a and second deflector 195b, and gas can be distributed from the plurality of nozzles, ports, injectors, etc. to form a continuous uniform gas flow that can inhibit or even prevent penetration by environmental debris. screen. In some embodiments, each of the first elongated gas port 185a and the second elongated gas port 185b may include any one or more of one continuous elongated slit and a plurality of elongated slits.

According to one or more embodiments, apparatuses and methods for processing glass ribbons and/or glass sheets are provided. In particular embodiments, the apparatus and methods may be used to prepare glass sheets for further processing through a washer 203, which is used to clean glass chips and/or particles from the glass sheets, the washing The device is, for example, a high-pressure water washing system with narrow passages between the nozzles of the high-pressure water washing system. An exemplary embodiment of a scrubber 203 is shown in Figure 2 and includes an inlet 202, which may be relatively narrow, for example having a width of about less than about 100 mm (eg about 20 mm). In one or more embodiments, disclosed herein are devices and methods that pre-position the glass sheet such that the glass sheet is sufficiently flat and free from the relatively narrow inlets required for the cleaning and subsequent drying processes. Align on the same plane as the wash system. Methods and apparatus according to some embodiments will also rapidly cool the glass sheet, resulting in removal of the bow. According to one or more embodiments, the apparatus and methods will also planarize and align the glass substrate in the plane of the major faces of the glass sheet. In some embodiments, the methods and apparatus can be used to address the problem that arcuate thin glass sheets would need to be planarized without touching one of the major faces, eg, to prepare the glass sheet for precise measurements.

According to one or more embodiments, bow can be measured by placing a glass substrate in a mechanically unrestrained state on a flat table and measuring the deviation from the table to the maximum distance extending from the table Bend "B". FIG. 3 shows an exaggerated view of an arcuate glass sheet 104 as may be obtained from a ribbon forming process including float, slot pull, down draw, fusion down draw, and up draw. Glass sheet 104 may warp and/or bow due to the thermal history and stresses imposed on strip 103 during the forming process. Figure 3 shows an arcuate bend, labeled "B". According to some embodiments, the term "warpage" refers to the difference between the maximum and minimum deviation of the medial plane relative to the rear reference plane. Warping can be similar to the wavy deformation that exists in potato chips. According to some embodiments, the term "bow" refers to the amount by which the midplane of the glass sheet is deformed at the center point, whether concave or convex, independent of any thickness variation. For example, as shown in FIG. 4A , a glass sheet 104 is shown in which the second major face 214b is a convex major face and in which the first major face 214a faces the mesa 220 . The distance "B" between line 215 and mesa 220 provides for the arcuate bending of the substrate. Alternatively, the bow bend may be measured as shown in FIG. 4B , with the first major face 214a facing upwards and the second major face 214b facing the table top 220 . The distance "B" between line 215 and mesa 220 provides for the arcuate bending of the substrate.

In this disclosure, bow bending is measured by placing an array of ultrasonic sensors 199 a - e mounted on a plane above the glass sheet 104 . The ultrasonic sensor emits one or more pulses of ultrasonic energy traveling through the air at the speed of sound. A portion of this energy is reflected off the target and back to the sensor. The sensor measures the total time it takes for energy to reach the target and return to the sensor. The distance to the target is then calculated using the following formula: D = ct ÷ 2, where D = distance from the sensor to the target, c = speed of sound in air, and t = transit time of the ultrasonic pulse. In some embodiments, to improve accuracy, the ultrasonic sensor may average the results of several pulse waves before outputting a new value. The bowing of the glass sheet 104 may then be calculated using the distance measured by each sensor spaced above the glass sheet. For example, in FIG. 4A, sensors 199a and 199e will measure a distance greater than that measured by sensors 199b and 199d, and sensors 199b and 199d will measure a distance greater than that measured by sensor 199c. The distance of the measured distance. It will be appreciated that the number of sensors 199a-e shown in Figures 4A and 4B is exemplary and that more or fewer sensors may be utilized. The maximum distance measured by the sensor 199a or 199e is then compared with the distance measured by the sensor 199c to determine the amount of bow B. Similar decisions can be made for Figure 4B. In one or more embodiments, sensors 199a and 199e would be positioned at the edges of glass sheet 104, and sensor 199c would be positioned at the midpoint of the glass sheet between the edges.

As mentioned above, a glass shape change or bow of 25 mm in the principal plane of the glass sheet has been observed within 1.5 meters in a direction (x-direction or y-direction) transverse to the principal plane (z-plane). As indicated by arrow 201 in FIGS. 1 and 2 , glass sheet 104 exits glass processing system 100 to the next processing station in the system.

In some embodiments, the glass sheet 104 may move rapidly between a separation station (eg, glass separator 149 ) and a washing station (eg, washer 203 ). As discussed above, moving the glass sheet 104 relatively quickly from the glass separator 149 to be received by the washer 203 can help prevent debris (eg, glass shards, particles, etc.) from sticking to the original major faces of the glass sheet 104 . In fact, debris that lands on the major faces of the glass sheet 104 during the separation step can be quickly removed before the debris has had time to form a significant bond with the major faces of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the relatively rapid movement of the glass sheet 104 (represented by the direction of travel 221 in FIGS. The time elapses from about 1 second to about 20 seconds (eg, from about 1 second to about 15 seconds).

The scrubber 203 may include a housing 205 having a first liquid dispenser 207 (eg, a plurality of first liquid dispensers 207 ) including a first liquid nozzle 209 (eg, a plurality of first liquid nozzles 209 ), the first liquid The nozzles are oriented to dispense liquid against the first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 to remove glass particles adhered to the first major surface 214a and/or the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 . Although not shown, the exemplary scrubber 203 can dispense liquid against both the first major face 214a of the glass sheet 104 and the second major face 214b of the glass sheet 104 . Accordingly, recitations of one-sided assignments should not limit the scope of the claims appended hereto, unless otherwise indicated, since such recitations are made for visual clarity purposes. As shown, first liquid nozzle 209 may optionally rotate about an axis of rotation as indicated by rotation arrow 211 . In some embodiments (not shown), the first liquid nozzle 209 may be fixed and non-rotating. Suitable nozzles may include any one or more of cone nozzles, flat nozzles, dense stream nozzles, hollow cone nozzles, fine spray nozzles, oval nozzles, square nozzles, and the like. In some embodiments, the nozzle may include a flow rate of from about 0.25 to about 2500 gallons per minute (gpm) operating with a pressure of from about 0 psi to about 4000 psi. Other nozzle types and designs (including nozzles not expressly disclosed herein) may be provided in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, housing 205 may be substantially enclosed, however the side walls of FIG. 2 have been removed to reveal features in the interior of housing 205 . In some embodiments, the housing 205 may include a divider 213 that divides the interior of the housing 205 into a first region 215a and a second region 215b. The second region 215b may be positioned downstream of the first region 215a (eg, downstream in the direction of travel 221 ). In the depicted embodiment, the first region 215a may include the first liquid distributor 207 . A drain 216 may be provided to remove the liquid with any debris entrained in the liquid by the washing process in the first zone 215a. A vent 218 may also be provided to prevent pressure buildup and to allow vapor and/or gas to escape from the first region 215a of the housing 205 . As shown, exemplary embodiments can process vertically oriented glass sheets 104 . A suitable mechanism for such a vertical orientation and its movement is described in WO2016064950 A1.

Scrubber 203 may further include an air knife 217 positioned downstream (eg, downstream along direction of travel 221 ) of first liquid distributor 207 , eg, within second region 215b of housing 205 , as shown. The gas knife 217 may include a gas nozzle 219 (eg, an elongated nozzle) oriented to extend along the entire length "L" of the glass sheet 104 and directed against the first major face 214a and the second major face 214a of the glass sheet 104. The major face 214b distributes gas to remove liquid from the first major face 214a and the second major face 214b of the glass sheet 104 . Air knife 217 may be oriented at a first angle "A1" relative to direction 221 of travel of glass sheet 104 through scrubber 203. In some embodiments, the first angle "A1" may be about 90° (e.g., vertical), about 45°, from about 45° to about 90°, such as from about 60° to about 85°, such as from about 70° to about 80°, and all ranges and subranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the first angle "A1" may be about 135°, from about 90° to about 135°, such as from about 95° to about 120°, such as from about 100° to about 110°, and between All ranges and subranges. The gas knife 217 may be designed to distribute gas against the first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 to remove liquid from the first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 . Suitable gases include, but are not limited to, air, nitrogen, low humidity gases, and the like.

As further illustrated, the second region 215b may optionally include a second liquid distributor 223 including a second liquid nozzle 227 oriented at a location upstream of the air knife 217 The first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 are cleaned at (eg, an upstream position along the direction of travel 221 ). In some embodiments, the second liquid distributor 223 may comprise a lower pressure fluid flow when compared to the pressure of the fluid flow generated by the first fluid distributor 207 in the first region 215a. In fact, the lower pressure flow of the second liquid distributor 223 can flood the first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 to remove any cleaning agents, chemicals, debris, or residues on the glass. Other impurities on sheet 104. As shown, deflector 225 may be positioned downstream of second liquid distributor 223 (eg, downstream in direction of travel 221 ) and upstream of air knife 217 in some embodiments. Deflector 225 may be oriented to direct an amount of liquid from second liquid distributor 223 away from air knife 217 . As shown, the deflector 225 (eg, the wiper blade) may be oriented at a second angle “A2” relative to the direction 221 of travel of the glass sheet 104 through the washer 203 . As shown, the first angle "A1" and the second angle "A2" may be substantially equal to each other; however, unless otherwise indicated, such statements should not limit the scope of the claims appended hereto, as may be found in Different angles (oblique, acute, etc. relative to the direction of travel) are provided in some embodiments. And, as shown, the second liquid dispenser 223 may likewise optionally include a second liquid nozzle 227 (eg, an elongated liquid nozzle) relative to the direction of travel 221 of the glass sheet 104 through the washer 203 Oriented with similar or identical angles as deflector 225 and air knife 217. The deflector 225 can direct liquid from the second liquid distributor 223 downward and away from the air knife 217 , thereby reducing the amount of liquid that the air knife 217 needs to remove from the glass sheet 104 .

Although the features of FIG. 2 are depicted as acting on a single major face of the first major face 214a and the second major face 214b of the glass sheet 104, it will be appreciated that similar or The same feature to thoroughly wash both the first major surface 214a of the glass sheet 104 and the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 . Thus, the left perspective view of scrubber 203 may be a mirror image of the right perspective view of scrubber 203 depicted in FIG. 2 , and the above discussion and description in FIG. 2 are made for visual clarity.

Although not shown, glass sheet 104 may then be dried, for example, with an air knife or other drying procedure. As indicated by arrow 401 in FIG. 2 , the clean and dry glass sheet 104 exiting the washer 203 may then be coated by a coating chamber (not shown), or inspected in an inspection device (not shown). , or measured in a measuring device (not shown). The inspection device may inspect one or more attributes of the glass sheet 104 to ensure quality and to determine whether the glass sheet 104 meets one or more requirements, which may be set by the customer. The inspection device may be designed to sense air bubbles, inclusions, surface particles, cords, thickness, squareness, dimension, edge quality, scratches, cracks, surface imperfections, surface shape, surface characteristics, or properties of the glass sheet 104. one or more of the other attributes.

If the glass piece 104 meets the inspection requirements, the clean glass piece 104 can be packaged together with other glass pieces 104 . In some embodiments, the glass sheets 104 may be arranged in a stack with high-quality interleaved paper or other material (eg, polymeric material) disposed between adjacent glass sheets 104 . A high quality interleaved paper or other material may be selected to avoid any contamination of the glass sheet 104 by chemicals or fibers.

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide glass handling apparatus and methods to receive a glass sheet downstream of glass handling apparatus 101 shown in FIG. 1 to the next downstream processing station as indicated by arrow 201 . The next downstream processing station may include one or more devices for further processing the glass sheet, which may include cleaning stations, drying stations, coating stations, metrology stations, inspection stations, and the like. In some embodiments, the next processing station may include a scrubber 203 as shown by arrow 201 in FIG. eg 20 mm) width. With a narrow inlet 202 that exceeds the bow "B" of the glass sheet, the glass sheet may contact the inlet and cause scratches or other damage to the glass sheet 104 . Other downstream processing stations (such as drying stations, coating stations, inspection stations, or metrology stations) may also have narrow openings through which the glass sheet can pass, and thus reducing or eliminating the amount of bowing in the glass sheet will reduce the amount of glass Chip scratches and possible breakage. Also, the scrubber 203 may include opposing liquid nozzles spaced apart by a distance such that the nozzles may contact an arcuate glass sheet 104 , such as the glass sheet 104 shown in FIG. 3 . Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, it is desirable to treat glass sheets upstream of washing stations and other processing stations to reduce bowing in the glass sheets.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a glass processing apparatus 303 and method are provided that can "flatten" an arcuate glass substrate to reduce the amount of arcuate bow in the glass substrate. Such devices may be positioned downstream of glassmaking device 101 as indicated by arrow 201 in FIGS. 1 , 5 , and 6 . According to one or more embodiments, after being processed in apparatus 303 , glass sheet 104 may be directed to the next processing station downstream of apparatus 303 , as indicated by arrow 301 shown in FIG. 6 . The next downstream device may be the scrubber 203 shown in Figure 2, or other processing devices not shown, such as drying devices, coaters, measuring devices, or inspection devices.

Referring now to Figures 5-13, an embodiment of a glass sheet handling apparatus 303 is shown. As shown in FIG. 5, the exemplary glass sheet handling apparatus 303 includes a first plurality of fluid outlets 310 adjustably spaced apart from a second plurality of fluid outlets 320 and defining a gap "G", The gap is sized to pass a glass sheet 104 including a first major face 104a and a second major face 104b defining a thickness "T", when the glass sheet 104 is disposed in the gap "G", the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 is directed toward the first major face 104a, while the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 is directed toward the second major face 104b. The glass sheet processing apparatus 303 further includes a pressurized fluid source 315 in communication with at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and at least one of the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 and to the first plurality of fluid outlets. The at least one of the fluid outlets 310 and the at least one of the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 supply pressurized fluid. As shown in FIG. 5 , there may be a first source of pressurized fluid 315 in communication with a first supply line 317 to supply pressurized fluid to the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 .

In some embodiments, a single source of pressurized fluid may supply the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 . However, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the second pressurized fluid source 325 supplies pressurized fluid to the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 via the second supply line 327 . The first supply line 317 and the second supply line 327 may include tubes, conduits, tubing, or hoses that may supply pressurized fluid, such as pressurized liquid (eg, water) or pressurized gas (eg, air).

The glass sheet processing device 303 shown in FIG. 5 may further include a first controller 335, which controls at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 to communicate with the glass sheet. The movement in the direction orthogonal to the first major surface and the second major surface of the to increase or decrease the gap "G". The controller 335 may be a manual motion controller, such as a worm wheel that can be turned to increase or decrease the gap "G". The glass sheet handling apparatus may include a second controller 345 that individually controls movement of the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 in a direction normal to the first and second major faces of the glass sheet, the The first controller 335 controls the movement of the first plurality of fluid outlets in a direction orthogonal to the first major surface and the second major surface of the glass sheet 310 to increase or decrease the gap "G". The second controller 345 may be a manual motion controller, such as a worm gear that can be turned to increase or decrease the gap "G". In some embodiments, the first controller 335 is in communication with the first actuator 337 that controls the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 to be normal to the first major surface and the second major surface of the glass sheet. Move in the direction to increase or decrease the gap "G". The first controller 335 may also be in communication with a second actuator 347 that controls the movement of the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 in a direction normal to the first and second major faces of the glass sheet. Move to increase or decrease the gap "G". In some embodiments, the second controller 345 is in communication with a second actuator 347 that controls the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 to be normal to the first major surface and the second major surface of the glass sheet. Move in the direction to increase or decrease the gap "G". The first actuator 337 and the second actuator 347 may be part of a motor, pneumatic or hydraulic motion control system that may advance and retract the first fluid outlet 310 and the second fluid outlet 320 . The apparatus may also include a position sensor (not shown) positioned near the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 to detect the distance from the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 to the first major surface 104a of the glass sheet. Similarly, position sensors may be positioned near the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 to detect the distance from the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 to the second major surface 104b of the glass sheet. The position sensors may be in electrical communication with one or both of the controllers 335, 345 to dynamically control the distance of the respective fluid outlet from the major face of the glass sheet. The position sensor can be any suitable position sensor, such as a laser diode or an ultrasonic sensor.

In embodiments utilizing ultrasonic sensors, the ultrasonic sensors emit one or more pulses of ultrasonic energy that travel through the air at the speed of sound. A portion of this energy is reflected off the target and back to the sensor. The sensor measures the total time it takes for energy to reach the target and return to the sensor. The distance to the target is then calculated using the following formula: D = ct ÷ 2, where D = distance from the sensor to the target, c = speed of sound in air, and t = transit time of the ultrasonic pulse. In some embodiments, to improve accuracy, the ultrasonic sensor may average the results of several pulse waves before outputting a new value.

The first controller 335 and/or the second controller 345 according to some embodiments includes a first central processing unit (CPU), a memory, and supporting circuits (not shown). The first controller 335 and/or the second controller 345 may control movement directly or via a computer (or controller) associated with a particular monitoring system and/or supporting system element. The first controller 335 and/or the second controller 345 may be one of any form of general purpose computer processor that may be used in an industrial environment for controlling the linear motion of a mechanical element. The memory or computer-readable medium of the first controller 335 and/or the second controller 345 may be readily available memory (such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), software hard drive, optical storage media (such as compact discs or DVDs), flash drives, or any other form of digital storage (local or remote). Support circuits of the first controller 335 and/or the second controller 345 are coupled to the first CPU for supporting the processor in a conventional manner. These circuits include cache memory, power supplies, clock circuits, input/output circuitry, subsystems, and the like. One or more procedures may be stored in memory as software routines that may be executed or invoked to control movement of the first fluid outlet 310 and/or the second plurality of fluid outlets for processing of the glass sheet Increase or decrease the gap G during this period. Software routines may also be stored and/or executed by a second CPU (not shown), located remotely from hardware controlled by the first CPU. The first controller 335 and/or the second controller 345 may be linked via a hardwired connection or wirelessly, for example using Bluetooth or other suitable wireless connection.

In some embodiments, an optional edge gripping device may be utilized to grip the sheet of glass near first vertical edge 153 , second vertical edge 155 , first lateral edge 165 , or second lateral edge 167 . Figure 14 of US Patent Application Publication No. 20180044218 shows and describes a suitable gripping device. The gripping apparatus may also include a pair of rollers that engage the glass sheet at the edges to advance the glass sheet through the glass sheet handling device 303 . The gripping apparatus of some embodiments may include pads disposed on opposite sides of a major face of the glass sheet, the pads being controlled by a motion system that moves the pads orthogonally relative to the major face of the glass sheet. This movement can be actuated by a pneumatic cylinder, which effectively clamps the glass sheet at the edge. The gripping device can also be moved parallel to the plane of the glass sheet by pneumatic sliding to keep the glass sheet in tension. More specifically, three gripping devices may be spaced along one vertical edge (eg, first vertical edge 153) and three may be spaced along another vertical edge of the sheet of glass (eg, second vertical edge 153). Crawl device. Tension may be applied by moving the gripping devices on the first vertical edge 153 and the second vertical edge in opposite directions.

Referring now to FIGS. 6-10 , which show the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 as disposed in a first elongated rod 308 a including a plenum chamber 306 a in communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 . The elongated rod 308a can be a hollow elongated rod including a plenum chamber 306a, wherein a first plurality of fluid outlets 310 communicate with the plenum chamber 306a and at least a first inlet 309a, which can be connected to a first supply line 317 and a first A source of pressurized fluid 315 is in fluid communication.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 11 , the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 is positioned in at least a first elongated rod 308 a comprising a plenum chamber in communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 306a. Each of the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 is individually disposed in a plurality of individual fluid nozzles 321 . FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fluid nozzle 321 that may be used in accordance with one or more embodiments, showing a tapered fluid nozzle 321 . However, other types of fluid nozzles may be utilized, such as flat nozzles, dense stream nozzles, hollow cone nozzles, fine spray nozzles, oval nozzles, square nozzles, and the like. FIG. 11 , which is a front view taken along line 11 - 11 of FIG. 5 , shows a second plurality of fluid outlets 320 disposed in the plurality of fluid nozzles 321 .

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5-11, the glass sheet handling apparatus 303 includes a plurality of first elongated rods 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d, 308e, and 308f spaced apart on a first frame 313, the first Each of the elongated rods 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d, 308e, and 308f includes therein a first plurality of fluid outlets 310; and a plurality of nozzles 321 spaced apart from the second frame 323 from the plurality of first An elongated rod 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d, 308e, and 308f are in opposing relationship. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of second elongated rods 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d, 408e, 408f may be spaced apart on the second frame 323 instead of the nozzles 321 and the second plurality of rods includes a plurality of second fluid outlets 420 in each of the second elongated rods 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d, 408e, 408f, wherein the plurality of second elongated rods 408a . The rods are separated by a gap "G". The second elongated rod 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d, 408e, 408f may have a configuration similar to the details of the elongated rod 308 shown in FIGS. 8-10 and may include a pressurized The chamber and fluid inlet are similar to the plenum chamber and fluid inlet.

Although the embodiments shown and described herein show six elongated rods spaced apart on the frame, the present disclosure is not limited to a particular number, arrangement, or spacing of the elongated rods. The scale of the rods, the number of rods, the spacing of the rods, and their arrangement can be adjusted.

In a specific embodiment, the elongated rods 308a (and elongated rods 308b-f) shown in FIGS. 6 and 8-10 have a height "h" in the range of about 40 mm to about 60 mm and the ratio The width "W" of the glass sheet is 10% longer than the length "l". For example, in some embodiments, the device is configured to process 3.4 meters in width and 2.8 meters in height (transverse to the width) and in the range of from about 0.01 mm to about 5 mm (e.g., from about 0.05 mm to about 3 mm, such as from about 0.05 mm to about 2 mm, such as from about 0.05 mm to about 1.8 mm, such as from about 0.05 mm to about 1.3 mm, and all ranges and subranges therebetween). In a particular embodiment, each of the plurality of first fluid outlets 310 has a diameter in the range from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, 2 mm). The plurality of first fluid outlets in the illustrated embodiment includes a top row 310t, a middle row 310m, and a bottom row 310b of fluid outlets, with space between the rows in the range of about 20 mm to about 30 mm (e.g., about 25 mm). mm) and the center-to-center spacing "c" of each opening within each column is in the range of 20 mm to about 30 mm (eg, about 25 mm). In a particular embodiment, the second elongated rod 408a shown in FIGS. 12-13 can be pressurized with a gas that can be used to cool and reduce bowing in the bowed glass sheet.

In some embodiments, the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 is disposed in the second elongated rod 408a that includes a plenum chamber in fluid communication with the second plurality of fluid outlets. An example of such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 12 . In FIG. 12, there are a plurality of second elongated rods 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d, 408e, and 408f. The second elongated rods 408a, 408b, 408c, 408d, 408e, and 408f have a different fluid outlet arrangement than the first elongated rods 308a-f, which arrangement will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIG.

Figure 13 shows a front view of the second elongated rod 408a shown in Figure 12 with a plurality of second fluid outlets 420 arranged differently from the first fluid outlets 310 shown in Figures 6 and 8-9 arrangement, the front view shows a second plurality of second fluid outlets 420 comprising a top row 420t and a bottom row 420b. In the particular embodiment shown, the elongated fluid rod has a height "h2" in the range from about 40 mm to about 60 mm and a length "l2" that is 10% longer than the width "W" of the glass sheet being processed ". In a particular embodiment, each of the plurality of fluid outlets has a diameter in the range from about 0.5 mm to about 4 mm (eg, 1.4 mm). The plurality of fluid outlets in the illustrated embodiment includes a top column 420t and a bottom column 420b of fluid outlets with an inter-column spacing between the columns in the range of about 20 mm to about 30 mm, such as about 28 mm. r2", wherein the center-to-center spacing "c2" of each opening within each column is in the range of 20 mm to about 30 mm (eg, about 25 mm).

In some embodiments, the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 is movable from an open position where the gap G is at a maximum to a closed position where the gap G is at a minimum. The first plurality of fluid outlets (disposed at the end of the nozzle or on one side of the elongated rod as described herein) may be moved by the controller 335 described above with respect to FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, both the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the second plurality of outlets 320 are movable from an open position where the gap is at a maximum to a closed position where the gap is at a minimum. In some embodiments, the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 may be moved by the controller 345 as discussed above with respect to FIG. 5 . In some embodiments, movement of the fluid outlet can be controlled by a single controller.

A pressurized gas such as air, hydrogen, argon, or a mixture of air, hydrogen, and argon may be supplied to the plurality of first fluid outlets 310 . Air is readily available, inexpensive, and can be provided via an industrial air compressor and delivered via a delivery line, such as by hose or tubing, to a nozzle or to a slender rod, which will keep the gas under pressure Emitted from the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and/or the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 . Pressurized gas such as air, argon, nitrogen, or mixtures thereof may be supplied to the plurality of second fluid outlets. In some embodiments, one or both of the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets are supplied with pressurized liquid (eg, water) such that pressurized water flows from the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets. At least one of the plurality of fluid outlets fires.

According to one or more embodiments, when pressurized fluid (pressurized gas or pressurized liquid) exits the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the second plurality of fluid outlets 320, a first fluid cushion is formed in the first plurality of fluid outlets. Between the fluid outlets 310 and the first major surface 104a of the glass sheet 104 , and a second fluid cushion is formed between the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 and the second major surface 104b of the glass sheet 104 . In some embodiments, the pressurized fluid exits the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 under pressure such that a glass sheet comprising an arcuate major face having an arcuate amount "B" is positioned between the gaps In "G", the pressurized fluid exiting the first plurality of outlets 310 and the second plurality of outlets 320 is between the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the first major surface 104a of the glass sheet 104 and the second fluid outlet 320 Sufficient rigid force is applied to the second major surface 104b of the glass sheet 104 to reduce the bowing amount "B" of the glass sheet 104 .

For embodiments utilizing an elongated rod, in some embodiments the rod should have a first vertical edge 153 and a second vertical edge 155 extending beyond the glass sheet 104 by at least about 1 mm, at least about 2 mm, or at least about 2.5 mm in length. In one or more embodiments, the ratio of the surface area of the elongated rod facing the major face (either the first major face 104a or the second major face 104b) is at least about 0.15:1 to the surface area of the elongated rod facing the major face of the glass sheet , for example in the range of 0.15:1 to 0.75:1, or in the range of about 0.2 to about 0.75, or in the range of about 0.3 to about 0.75, or in the range of 0.4 to about 0.75. A device having the above range of elongated rod surface area facing the major face of the glass sheet provides a fluid flow sufficient to planarize the glass sheet to reduce bowing in the glass sheet.

In one or more embodiments, the force generated by the major face of the glass sheet, such as by pressurized fluid passing through the elongated rod, is applied to the elongated rod and transmitted through the surface of the elongated rod facing the major face of the glass sheet. The flow/pressure of the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 are controlled. Acceptable results were obtained with an elongated rod having a height of 50 mm and a length 10% longer than the width "W" of the glass sheet. An elongated rod according to some embodiments may consist of plenum chambers that allow fluid to be evenly distributed through a predetermined fluid outlet pattern. In some embodiments, the plenum is fabricated from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW-PE) material, but other thermoplastics or metals (such as anodized aluminum) could be used. Exemplary, non-limiting fluid opening patterns are shown in Figures 6 and 8-13.

When a liquid, such as water, is used to treat the glass sheet to reduce the amount of bowing, the capillary force of the water can reduce the bowing in the glass sheet. In a specific embodiment, the treatment device includes a plurality of elongated rods (such as elongated rods 308a-f in FIGS. A plurality of elongated rods (such as elongated rods 408a-f shown in Figures 12 and 13) at the opposite or second major face 104b.

In one embodiment, a plurality of elongated rods, such as rods 408a-f as shown and described with respect to FIGS. 12-13, face the surface of the second major face 104b during processing of a glass sheet having an amount of bow. Initially in the starting position it is spaced from the second major face 104b of the glass sheet by about 100 mm. The elongated rod is then pressurized with a fluid (eg, water) and moved closer to the second major face 104b of the glass sheet to within about 0.5 mm of the second major face 104b. On the opposite side of the second major face 104b of the glass sheet 104, a plurality of elongated rods similar to the elongated rods 308a-f (those shown and described with respect to FIGS. 6 and 8-10) are positioned at a distance from the first major Face 104a measures approximately 30 mm. The elongated rods 308a-f facing the first major face 104a are pressurized with air, which causes the glass sheet 104 to flatten and fit against the second major face 104b being subjected to water pressure, while the fluid outlets of the elongated rods pressurized with water are in contact with the A distance of 0.5 mm is maintained between the second major faces 104b. The force of the pressurized air exiting the first plurality of fluid outlets reduces bowing in the glass sheet 104 when the elongated rods 308a-f facing the first major face 104a are pressurized with air. The glass sheet 104 is held against the water sprayed from the elongated rod dispensing water through the fluid outlet due to capillary forces and pulled by the Bernoulli force of the water flowing through the elongated rod emitting water through the fluid outlet.

Suitable gas pressures for the above elongated rods are in the range from about 0.05 MPa to about 0.7 MPa, such as in the range from about 0.15 MPa to about 0.6 MPa, or in the range from about 0.015 MPa to about 0.5 MPa , or in the range of about 0.15 MPa to about 0.4 MPa. When pressurized with a liquid, suitable liquid pressures are in the range of about 0.05 MPa to about 0.6 MPa, such as from about 0.10 MPa to about 0.5 MPa, or from about 0.15 MPa to about 0.4 MPa, or from about 0.15 MPa to About 0.3MPa. Under these gas and liquid pressures, glass sheets exhibiting bowing are processed such that the amount of bowing is reduced in the processing apparatus. Fluid pressure (gas and liquid pressure) can be monitored in supply lines using digital manometers, and flow rates can be monitored using digital flow meters.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the plurality of first fluid outlets may be nozzles similar to those shown in FIGS. A plurality of first fluid nozzles similar and similar in arrangement to that shown on the second frame 323 in FIGS. 5 and 11 .

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a glass sheet handling system that includes a first device that includes opposing fluid outlets defining a gap as shown in FIG. 5 , wherein the first plurality of The fluid outlet 310 is opposite to the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 and defines a gap "G". The first plurality of fluid outlets 310 , opposite the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 , are configured to direct pressurized fluid on the first major face 104 a and the second major face 104 b of the glass sheet 104 to reduce bowing in the glass sheet 104 , respectively. Bend "B". The system according to one or more embodiments further includes a second device in the form of a scrubber 203 such as that described with respect to FIG. 2 , the scrubber 203 positioned downstream of the first device comprising a plurality of liquid dispensing nozzles , the plurality of liquid dispensing nozzles can remove glass particles adhering to at least one of the first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104 after leaving the first device.

In one or more embodiments of the system, in the first device, the opposing fluid outlets include a first plurality of fluid outlets 310 that are adjustably connected to a second plurality of fluid outlets 320 spaced apart and defining a gap G sized to allow passage of the glass sheet 104 including the first major face 104a and the second major face 104b having a thickness T defined in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 3 mm to pass through the gap G , when the glass sheet 104 passes through the gap G, the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 are directed toward the first major face 104a and the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 are directed toward the second major face 104b. In one or more embodiments of the system, the first device includes: a pressurized fluid in communication with at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets; and a controller for controlling the first Movement of at least one of the plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 in a direction normal to the first major face and the second major face of the glass sheet increases or decreases the gap G. The controller may be the first controller 335 or the second controller 345 described with respect to FIG. 5 . According to some embodiments, the system includes a third device downstream of the second device and positioned to receive the glass sheet from the second device, the third device including an air knife to remove liquid from the glass sheet.

Another aspect of the disclosure relates to a method of processing a glass sheet 104 . The method includes the steps of disposing a glass sheet 104 between a first plurality of fluid outlets 310 adjustably spaced apart from a second plurality of fluid outlets 320 by a gap G such that the first plurality of a plurality of fluid outlets 310 directed toward the first major face 104a of the glass sheet, and a second plurality of fluid outlets 320 directed toward the second major face 104b of the glass sheet; and directing pressurized fluid exiting the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 toward the first major The face 104a and the pressurized fluid exiting the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 are directed toward the second major face 104b to cool the glass sheet 104 .

In some embodiments of the method, the pressurized fluid exiting the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 forms a first fluid cushion between the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the first major surface 104a of the glass sheet 104, and exits the first plurality of fluid outlets 310. The pressurized fluid of the two plurality of fluid outlets 320 forms a second fluid cushion between the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 and the second major surface 104b of the glass sheet 104 . In one or more embodiments, the first major face 104a and the second major face 104b of the glass sheet 104 have an amount of arcuate curvature prior to disposing the glass sheet 104 in the gap G, and the first fluid cushion and the second fluid cushion The two fluid pads reduce the amount of bowing. In one or more embodiments, the pressurized fluid exits the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 under pressure to be applied on the first major face 104a and on the second major face 104b. A rigid force sufficient to reduce the amount of bowing of the glass sheet. In some embodiments, the first fluid cushion comprises an air cushion and the second fluid cushion comprises an air cushion. In some embodiments, the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 is disposed in a first elongated rod comprising a plenum chamber in fluid communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets 310, and the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 is disposed in a second elongated rod comprising a plenum chamber in fluid communication with the second plurality of fluid outlets 320 .

In an alternative embodiment of the method, the first plurality of fluid nozzles includes a first plurality of fluid outlets 310 and the second plurality of fluid nozzles includes a second plurality of outlets 320 . In some embodiments, the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 is disposed in a first elongated rod comprising a plenum chamber in fluid communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets 310, and the plurality of second fluid nozzles A second plurality of fluid outlets 320 is included. A method in accordance with one or more embodiments includes the step of moving the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 from an open position with a maximum gap to a closed position with a minimum gap.

A method of processing glass ribbon 103 and glass sheet 104 will now be described with reference to Figure 15, which schematically depicts a glass processing method 500 according to various embodiments disclosed herein. Glass processing method 500 may begin with separation step 502 where, for example, glass sheet 104 may be separated from glass ribbon 103 with glass separator 149 . In some embodiments, glass sheet 104 may be separated from glass ribbon 103 as shown in FIG. 1 . In some embodiments, the outer portion 159 of the glass sheet 104 may be separated from the central portion 161 of the glass sheet 104 .

Following the separation step 502, the glass sheet may then be transported to undergo preprocessing in a preprocessing step 503, such as in the apparatus shown and described with respect to FIGS. 5-14. In one or more embodiments, the glass sheet can be pretreated to remove bow and/or warping.

Glass processing method 500 may then proceed to washing step 504 where debris generated during separation step 502 may be removed with scrubber 203 as described with respect to FIG. 2 . Glass processing method 500 may then proceed to drying step 506 and optional measuring and inspection step 508 .

In some embodiments, the method 500 may include the steps of: separating the glass sheet 104 from the glass strip 103; and then washing the glass sheet 104 (e.g., in the major face 214a, second major face 214b) remove debris (eg, separation debris, environmental debris). In some embodiments, the washing step may include a first stage of dispensing liquid (e.g., with a second liquid nozzle comprising a first liquid nozzle 209) against major faces of the glass sheet 104 (e.g., first major face 214a, second major face 214b). a liquid distributor 207 distribution), to remove debris and/or entrain debris in the liquid; Dispensed, for example, with an air knife 217 including air nozzles 219 ) to remove liquid from the first major surface 214 a and the second major surface 214 b of the glass sheet 104 .

In some embodiments, glass sheet 104 may be vertically oriented and travel along travel direction 221 during washing. In some embodiments, the gas may be distributed at a first angle "A1" relative to the direction of travel 221 of the glass sheet 104 during the second stage to direct the liquid downward in the direction of gravity. In some embodiments, the washing step may include the step of spraying a cleaning fluid (eg, from A second liquid distributor 223 including a second liquid nozzle 227) cleans the first major surface 214a and the second major surface 214b of the glass sheet 104; Face 214b removes cleaning fluid and the deflector is oriented at a second angle "A2" relative to direction of travel 221 of glass sheet 104 to direct cleaning fluid downward in the direction of gravity.

In one or more embodiments, prior to any of the washing step 504, drying step 506, and optional measurement and inspection step 508, the glass sheet 104 may be placed in the apparatus shown in FIG. Subjecting the glass to a cooling step and/or a planarization step to reduce the amount of bowing in the glass sheet 104 as described herein.

Example:

A first set of six elongated rods are arranged in spaced relationship on the frame, as shown in Figures 6-10. Each of the elongated rods had a height of 50 mm and a length 10% greater than the width "W" of the glass sheet being processed. Each of the first plurality of fluid outlets 310 has a diameter of about 2 mm. The first plurality of fluid outlets in the illustrated embodiment includes a top row 310t, a middle row 310m, and a bottom row 310b of fluid outlets, with a center-to-center spacing "r" between the rows of about 28 mm, and within each row The center-to-center spacing "c" of each opening is about 25 mm. The first set of rods is spaced up to 200 mm from the second set of six elongated rods which are arranged in spaced relation on the frame as shown in Figure 6-10 (providing 200 mm mm gap G). The second set of elongated rods has the same fluid outlet dimensions and spacing as the first set of elongated rods. A glass sheet is positioned in the gap approximately equidistant from the first set of rods and the second set of rods. The rod is then moved in a direction normal to the major face of the glass sheet at a rate of 1 m/s until a gap G of 24 mm is reached, leaving 12 mm between the major face of the glass sheet and the rod. The rod is then moved orthogonally towards the major face of the glass sheet at 10 mm/s to a final gap G of 4 mm. The first set of elongated rods and the second set of rods were pressurized with air at a pressure of 0.3 MPa. Figure 16 shows the bow of a glass sheet when it has an initial bow of about 12 mm and after processing between the first set of elongated rods and the second set of elongated rods the bow is reduced to about 2 mm.

It will be appreciated that the various disclosed embodiments may refer to specific features, components, or steps described in relation to that particular embodiment. It will also be understood that, although described with respect to one particular embodiment, particular features, components, or steps may be interchanged or combined with alternative embodiments in various non-illustrated combinations or permutations.

It is also to be understood that, as used herein, the term "the" or "a" means "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless expressly indicated to the contrary. Thus, for example, reference to "a light source" includes embodiments having two or more such light sources unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Likewise, "plurality" or "array" is intended to mean "more than one". Thus, a "plurality" of outlets or an "array" of outlets includes two or more such members, eg, three or more such outlets, and so on.

Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. Where such ranges are expressed, the embodiments include from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will further be appreciated that an endpoint of each of a range is significant compared to the other endpoint and is significant independently of the other endpoint.

As used herein, the terms "substantially", "substantially" and variations thereof are intended to state that the described characteristic is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially flat" surface is intended to mean a flat or nearly flat surface. And, as defined above, "substantially similar" is intended to indicate that two values are equal or nearly equal.

In no way should any method set forth herein be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in any particular order, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, if a method claim does not actually recite the order in which its steps are to be followed, or does not otherwise specifically indicate in the claim or specification that the steps are limited to a particular order, then no particular order should ever be inferred.

While various features, components, or steps of particular embodiments may be disclosed using the traditional phrase "comprising," it will be appreciated that alternative embodiments (including those that may use the traditional phrases "consisting of" or "essentially Those embodiments described by "consisting of" are implied. Thus, for example, alternative embodiments implied for an apparatus comprising A+B+C include embodiments in which the apparatus consists of A+B+C as well as embodiments in which the apparatus consists essentially of A+B+C.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Since alterations, combinations, sub-combinations, and variations of the disclosed embodiments that incorporate the spirit and essence of the disclosure may occur to those skilled in the art, the disclosure should be deemed to include the appended claims and their equivalents. Everything within the scope of things.

100‧‧‧Glass processing system 101‧‧‧Glass manufacturing device 103‧‧‧Glass strip 104‧‧‧glass sheet 104a‧‧‧The first main aspect 104b‧‧‧The second main aspect 105‧‧‧Melt container 107‧‧‧batch 109‧‧‧Storage 111‧‧‧Batch delivery equipment 113‧‧‧motor 115‧‧‧Controller 117‧‧‧arrow 119‧‧‧Melt glass probe 121‧‧‧Melting materials 123‧‧‧Standpipe 125‧‧‧Communication lines 127‧‧‧clarification container 129‧‧‧The first connecting conduit 131‧‧‧mixing chamber 133‧‧‧Delivery container 135‧‧‧The second connecting conduit 137‧‧‧The third connecting conduit 139‧‧‧Delivery tube 140‧‧‧Glass former 141‧‧‧Entrance 143‧‧‧forming container 145‧‧‧root 149‧‧‧Glass separator 151‧‧‧Lateral separation path 153‧‧‧first vertical edge 155‧‧‧Second vertical edge 159‧‧‧external 161‧‧‧central part 163‧‧‧vertical separation path 165‧‧‧first transverse edge 167‧‧‧Second transverse edge 169‧‧‧laser 170‧‧‧Marker 173‧‧‧vacuum port 177‧‧‧drawing direction 185a‧‧‧first elongated gas port 185b‧‧‧Second elongated gas port 195a‧‧‧First deflector 195b‧‧‧Second deflector 199a‧‧‧Ultrasonic sensor 199b‧‧‧Ultrasonic sensor 199c‧‧‧Ultrasonic sensor 199d‧‧‧Ultrasonic sensor 199e‧‧‧Ultrasonic sensor 201‧‧‧arrow 202‧‧‧Entrance 203‧‧‧Scrubber 205‧‧‧Shell 207‧‧‧The first liquid distributor 209‧‧‧First liquid nozzle 211‧‧‧rotating arrow 213‧‧‧Separator 214a‧‧‧The first main aspect 214b‧‧‧The second main aspect 215‧‧‧Line 215a‧‧‧The first area 215b‧‧‧The second area 216‧‧‧Drain pipe drain pipe 217‧‧‧air knife 218‧‧‧Venting port 219‧‧‧gas nozzle 220‧‧‧Mesa 221‧‧‧Travel direction 223‧‧‧Second liquid distributor 225‧‧‧Deflector 227‧‧‧Second liquid nozzle 301‧‧‧arrow 303‧‧‧Glass processing device 306a‧‧‧Plenum chamber 308a‧‧‧The first slender rod 308b‧‧‧The first slender rod 308c‧‧‧The first slender rod 308d‧‧‧The first slender rod 308e‧‧‧The first slender rod 308f‧‧‧The first slender rod 309a‧‧‧First Entrance 310‧‧‧first plurality of fluid outlets 310b‧‧‧bottom column 310m‧‧‧middle column 310t‧‧‧top row 313‧‧‧First frame 315‧‧‧pressurized fluid source 317‧‧‧First Supply Line 3 320‧‧‧Second plural fluid outlets 321‧‧‧fluid nozzle 323‧‧‧Second framework 325‧‧‧Second source of pressurized fluid 327‧‧‧Second Supply Line 335‧‧‧first controller 337‧‧‧first actuator 345‧‧‧second controller 347‧‧‧Second Actuator 401‧‧‧arrow 408a‧‧‧The second slender rod 408b‧‧‧The second slender rod 408c‧‧‧The second slender rod 408d‧‧‧The second slender rod 408e‧‧‧The second slender rod 408f‧‧‧The second slender rod 420‧‧‧Second fluid outlet 420b‧‧‧Bottom column 420t‧‧‧top column 500‧‧‧Glass treatment method 502‧‧‧Separation steps 503‧‧‧Preprocessing steps 504‧‧‧washing steps 506‧‧‧drying step 508‧‧‧measurement and inspection steps A1‧‧‧first angle A2‧‧‧Second Angle B‧‧‧bow c‧‧‧Inter-center spacing c2‧‧‧interval between centers G‧‧‧Gap H‧‧‧height h‧‧‧height h2‧‧‧height Hb‧‧‧Height L‧‧‧Length l2‧‧‧Length r‧‧‧center interval r2‧‧‧Inter-column spacing T‧‧‧thickness W‧‧‧Width

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure can be better understood when read with reference to the following drawings:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a glass processing apparatus including a fusion downdraw device for drawing glass ribbon;

Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a washing station of a glass processing plant;

Fig. 3 is the positive perspective view of arcuate glass sheet;

Figure 4A is a side view of an arcuate glass sheet;

Figure 4B is a side view of an arcuate glass sheet;

Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of a glass handling apparatus according to one embodiment;

6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1 showing the front of one side of the glass handling apparatus;

Figure 7 is a rear view of one side of the glass handling apparatus shown in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of an elongated rod for directing fluid at a glass sheet;

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the elongated rod shown in Figure 8;

11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 1 showing the front of the side of the glass handling apparatus opposite to that shown in FIG. 6;

Figure 12 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of an elongated rod having a plurality of fluid outlets;

Figure 13 is a front view of an embodiment of an elongated rod for directing fluid at a glass sheet;

Figure 14 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a nozzle for directing fluid at a glass sheet;

15 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary steps for processing a glass sheet in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

16 is a graph representing a glass sheet having a bow of approximately 12 mm before planarization and showing the amount of bow after processing in an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Domestic deposit information (please note in order of depositor, date, and number) none

Overseas storage information (please note in order of storage country, organization, date, and number) none

104‧‧‧glass sheet

104a‧‧‧The first main aspect

104b‧‧‧The second main aspect

201‧‧‧arrow

303‧‧‧Glass processing device

310‧‧‧first plurality of fluid outlets

313‧‧‧First frame

315‧‧‧pressurized fluid source

317‧‧‧First Supply Line 3

320‧‧‧Second plural fluid outlets

321‧‧‧fluid nozzle

323‧‧‧Second framework

325‧‧‧Second source of pressurized fluid

327‧‧‧Second Supply Line

335‧‧‧first controller

337‧‧‧first actuator

345‧‧‧second controller

347‧‧‧Second Actuator

G‧‧‧Gap

T‧‧‧thickness

Claims (24)

A glass sheet handling apparatus comprising: a first plurality of fluid outlets adjustably spaced apart from a second plurality of fluid outlets and defining a gap sized to deliver a vertically oriented glass sheet comprising A first major surface and a second major surface defining a thickness, the first plurality of fluid outlets pointing toward the first major surface and the second plurality of fluid outlets pointing toward the the second major surface; a source of pressurized fluid in communication with at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and at least one of the second plurality of fluid outlets and into the first plurality of fluid outlets The at least one of the at least one of the fluid outlets and the at least one of the second plurality of fluid outlets supply a pressurized fluid, wherein the pressurized fluid exits the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets under a pressure , the pressure is sufficient to exert a rigid force between the first plurality of fluid outlets and the glass sheet and between the second plurality of fluid outlets and the glass sheet to reduce an amount of bowing of the glass sheet and cool the glass sheet; and a controller for controlling at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets in a direction normal to the first major surface and the second major surface of the glass sheet Move in one direction to increase or decrease the gap. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of fluid outlets are disposed in at least one first elongated rod, the at least one first elongated rod includes a A plenum, and wherein the second plurality of fluid outlets are disposed in at least one second elongated rod, the at least one second elongated rod includes a plenum in fluid communication with the second plurality of fluid outlets. The glass sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of first fluid nozzles including the first plurality of fluid outlets; and a plurality of second fluid nozzles including the second plurality of fluid outlets. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of fluid outlets are positioned in at least one first elongated rod, the at least one first elongated rod includes a A plenum, the device further comprising: a plurality of fluid nozzles including the second plurality of fluid outlets. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of fluid outlets are movable from an open position where the gap is a maximum value to a closed position where the gap is a minimum value. The glass sheet processing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets can be accessed from the An open position where the gap is a maximum value moves to a closed position where the gap is a minimum value. The glass sheet processing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the device comprises: a plurality of first elongated rods spaced apart on a first frame and a plurality of second elongated rods spaced apart on a second frame, such that The plurality of first elongated rods and the plurality of second elongated rods are separated by the gap. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 7, wherein the plurality of first elongated rods are pressurized with a first fluid, and the plurality of second elongated rods are pressurized with a second fluid. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the first fluid and the second fluid comprise air, or wherein the first fluid comprises air and the second fluid comprises a liquid. The glass sheet processing device as described in claim 4, wherein the device comprises: a plurality of first elongated rods separated on a first frame, and a plurality of fluid nozzles, so that the plurality of first elongated rods and the plurality of The fluid nozzles are separated by the gap. The glass sheet processing apparatus of claim 1, wherein when a pressurized fluid exits the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets, between the first plurality of fluid outlets and the A first fluid cushion is formed between the first major faces, and between the second A second fluid cushion is formed between the plurality of fluid outlets and the second main surface of the glass sheet. A glass sheet processing system comprising: a first device including opposing fluid outlets defining a gap, the opposing fluid outlets being configured to be on a first major face and a second major face of a vertically oriented glass sheet directing pressurized fluid on the face to reduce bowing in the glass sheet and to cool the glass sheet; and a second device positioned downstream of the first device, the second device comprising a plurality of liquid dispensing nozzles, the plurality of A liquid dispensing nozzle can remove glass particles adhering to at least one of the first major face and the second major face of the glass sheet after exiting the first device. The glass sheet processing system of claim 12, wherein the opposed fluid outlets comprise a first plurality of fluid outlets adjustably spaced apart from a second plurality of fluid outlets and defining a gap, the gap being sized For transferring a glass sheet comprising a first major face and a second major face defining a thickness, the first plurality of fluid outlets are directed toward the first major face when the glass sheet is disposed in the gap face and the second plurality of fluid outlets are directed to the second major face. The glass sheet processing system of claim 13, wherein the first device further comprises: a source of pressurized fluid, and at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and supply a pressurized fluid to the at least one of the first plurality of fluid outlets and the at least one of the second plurality of fluid outlets; and a controller that controls the first Movement of at least one of a plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets in a direction normal to the first major face and the second major face of the glass sheet increases or decreases the gap. The glass sheet processing system of claim 13, further comprising: a third device downstream of the second device and positioned to receive the glass sheet from the second device, the third device including an air knife to remove The glass slide removes the liquid. A method of processing a sheet of glass comprising the steps of: positioning a sheet of glass in a vertical orientation between a first plurality of fluid outlets and a second plurality of fluid outlets, the first plurality of fluid outlets being adjustably aligned with the second plurality of fluid outlets The two plurality of fluid outlets are separated by a gap such that the first plurality of fluid outlets are directed toward a first major face of the glass sheet and the second plurality of fluid outlets are directed toward a second major face of the glass sheet, wherein The first major surface and the second major surface of the glass sheet have an arcuate amount before the glass sheet is placed in the gap; and directing pressurized fluid exiting the first plurality of fluid outlets toward the first major surface surface, and the pressurized flow that will exit the second plurality of fluid outlets Body points toward the second major face to reduce the amount of bowing of the glass sheet and cool the glass sheet. The method of claim 16, wherein the pressurized fluid exiting the first plurality of fluid outlets forms a first fluid cushion between the first plurality of fluid outlets and the first major surface of the glass sheet, And the pressurized fluid exiting the second plurality of fluid outlets forms a second fluid cushion between the second plurality of fluid outlets and the second major face of the glass sheet. The method of claim 17, wherein the first fluid pad and the second fluid pad reduce the amount of bowing. The method as recited in claim 18, wherein the pressurized fluid exits the first plurality of fluid outlets and the second plurality of fluid outlets under a pressure so as to flow between the first plurality of fluid outlets and the first major surface A rigid force is applied between the second plurality of fluid outlets and the second major surface, the rigid force being sufficient to reduce the amount of bowing of the glass sheet. The method of claim 18, wherein the first fluid cushion comprises an air cushion and the second fluid cushion comprises an air cushion. The method of claim 17, wherein the first plurality of fluid outlets are disposed in a first elongated rod including a plenum in fluid communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets, and the second plurality of fluid outlets are disposed in a second elongated rod, The second elongated rod includes a plenum in fluid communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets. The method of claim 17, wherein the first plurality of fluid nozzles includes the first plurality of fluid outlets, and the second plurality of fluid nozzles includes the second plurality of fluid outlets. The method of claim 17, wherein the first plurality of fluid outlets are disposed in a first elongated rod including a plenum in fluid communication with the first plurality of fluid outlets, and A second plurality of fluid nozzles includes the second plurality of fluid outlets. The method as recited in claim 17, further comprising the step of: moving the first plurality of fluid outlets from an open position where the gap is a maximum value to a closed position where the gap is a minimum value.

Images